The Riverhead Foundation's Internship Program

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation
New York State Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Program

Description: Our internship program provides students with an opportunity to gain hands on experience working for school credit and volunteering their time within a specified area of interest. Many of our interns have continued to volunteer even after their internship has expired. Some have even gained employment with the Foundation, or another aquarium, based on their hard work as an intern with the Foundation.

Compensation: These are unpaid internships and students must receive academic credit from their academic institution (college or university) for a minimum of 120 hours (8-10 hours per week).
Season: Internships are available year round for the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Some internships are also available during the winter intersession where students work 4-5 days a week.

Available Internships:

• Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Team
• Education
• Office Assistant

Internship Descriptions:

1. Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Team: Assist with the rescue & rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals & sea turtles found within New York State. Duties include: preparation of food, feeding all in house animals, cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, mopping floors, water quality testing, assisting staff biologists with strandings, releases, treatments, and post mortems; animal restraint, blood analysis, data entry, tank repairs, and general maintenance of the facility. Applicants should have a basic background in: biology, environmental studies, marine biology, or animal science. Applicants should be in good physical condition and able to lift 40 lbs. Prior training with marine mammals &/or sea turtles is a plus, but not a requirement.

Jen McGee, a Southampton College student,
restraining a hooded seal for a treatment:

2. Education: Assist the education department with the various educational programs such as lectures, tours, beach cleanups, mock strandings, seal cruises and more; design educational programs, create PowerPoint presentations; putting together and preparing educational artifacts such as marine mammal and sea turtle skulls, skeletons, etc.  

A. Rescue Center Guide: giving tours in the rescue center promoting the rescue program & bringing about public awareness of the marine environment; giving lectures, slide show and PowerPoint presentations, and assisting with the development of new programs/curriculum. Applicants should have training in public speaking, and be able to communicate effectively. Computer knowledge is a plus.

B. Special Projects: preparing artifacts, assembling skeletons and other artifacts for display.

C. Graphics/Exhibits Designer: develop new interactive, informative displays and exhibits for the rescue center.

3. Office Assistant: Assist the office staff with daily administrative tasks. These tasks include: answering phones, taking messages for the staff, taking reservations for the various educational programs, data entry, handling correspondence, writing letters, processing information requests, and handling bulk mailings. Applicants should have a background in business with excellent communication skills both written & verbal.

Internship Requirements:

• Applicants must be undergraduates registered at a two or four year college or university.
• Applicants must have a basic background (taken the relevant courses) in the area he/she is applying.
• Students must be able to work a minimum of 120 hours (8-10 hours per week) for the semester he/she is applying.
• Students must receive academic credit from their academic institution (college or university).
• Applicants must have his/her own transportation.
• Applicants must have his/her own lodging.
• Applicants should also be responsible, reliable, mature individuals, who work well as a team or independently.

Application Process:

1. Complete the online application. Applicants must receive college credit to participate in this program.
2. Forward us your resume. Include three letters of references from a professor or employer on the appropriate letterhead. Personal references will not be accepted.
3. Schedule an interview.
4. Applicants are encouraged to contact the school to determine school requirements & obtain approval..
5. Fax to (631) 369-9826, email to jwocial@riverheadfoundation.org or mail to:
   The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation
   467 East Main Street
   Riverhead, NY 11901
   Attention: Internship Program
6. Questions? Call (631) 369-9840.
7. Deadline to apply is the semester prior to the one you are applying for.